As Canada continues to experience a rising demand for qualified educators, the path to teaching in the country has become more accessible—particularly for internationally educated teachers. In 2025, teaching remains a regulated profession in Canada, requiring certification at the provincial or territorial level. However, recent policy shifts, including the addition of education-related occupations to Canada’s Express Entry immigration system, have made the process more streamlined for foreign-trained professionals.

This guide explores the requirements, procedures, and opportunities for internationally trained teachers who aim to build a career in Canada’s growing education sector.

Teaching in Canada: A Regulated Profession

Teaching in Canada is not governed by a single national body. Instead, each province and territory sets its own standards and regulatory processes. As a result, any internationally trained teacher must apply for certification through the specific provincial or territorial authority where they intend to work.

While the overarching goal across Canada is to maintain high-quality education, the variation in requirements means that aspiring teachers need to research the guidelines of their chosen region in advance.

For example:

• In British Columbia, teachers must complete additional coursework to align with local standards.

• Ontario may require proof of teaching experience alongside a teacher education credential.

• Alberta offers interim certification options for teachers still fulfilling experience-based requirements.

Certification Requirements for International Teachers

To teach legally in Canada, foreign-trained educators must go through a certification process that validates their credentials and ensures their readiness to meet Canadian educational standards. While specific documents and timelines differ by province, the general requirements include the following:

1. Educational Qualifications
   Candidates must hold at least a post-secondary degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) and have completed a recognized teacher education program. In many provinces, a two-year teaching diploma or certification in pedagogy is required.

2. Language Proficiency
   Proficiency in either English or French—Canada’s two official languages—is mandatory. This typically involves submitting test scores such as IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French), depending on the language of instruction in the province.

3. Documentation
   Applicants must submit:

   • Identity documents (passport or birth certificate)

   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates

   • Criminal background checks from all countries lived in for six months or more

   • Proof of teaching credentials (license or certification from country of origin)

4. Application Fees
   A non-refundable application fee is required. This varies across provinces but generally ranges between CAD 150 to CAD 300.

5. Assessment and Equivalency
   The provincial regulatory body will assess whether a candidate’s education and experience match the Canadian standard. In some cases, additional coursework or training may be required before full certification is granted.

Interim Certification: A Pathway to Experience

Several provinces, such as Alberta, offer interim or provisional teaching certification. This allows internationally trained teachers to begin working in schools while they gain the experience needed for permanent certification.

Under this model:

• Teachers may be granted temporary permission to teach in public schools.

• They must work under supervision and demonstrate competency in the classroom.

• After completing the required number of teaching hours or academic upgrades, they can apply for full certification.

This pathway helps address teacher shortages while giving foreign educators a chance to adapt to the Canadian school system.

Types of Teaching Positions Available

Teaching roles in Canada are diverse and cater to different employment needs. The most common types include:

1. Full-Time Positions
   These are salaried roles within public or private schools, usually for a 10-month academic year. Full-time teachers are often unionized, with benefits and a pay scale based on years of experience and education level.

2. Supply or Substitute Teaching
   Supply teachers are hired on a day-to-day basis to replace absent full-time staff. It’s a common entry point for newly certified or relocating teachers.

3. Long-Term Occasional (LTO) Roles
   These roles involve teaching for an extended period, such as during parental leave or sabbaticals. They offer more stability than day-to-day supply work and may lead to full-time offers.

Inter-Provincial Certification Transfer

Teachers certified in one Canadian province or territory are eligible to transfer their certification to another region under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). This recognition simplifies mobility and allows teachers to pursue opportunities across provinces without repeating the full certification process.

To transfer certification:

• Teachers must apply to the new province’s regulatory body.

• Required documents often include a letter of good standing, original certification, and proof of teaching experience.

Though most provinces accept inter-provincial transfers, a few may request local orientation courses or regional training to ensure compliance with local standards.

Increased Demand for Teachers in Canada

Canada is facing a growing shortage of qualified teachers, driven by an aging workforce, increased student enrollment, and post-pandemic restructuring in the education sector. This shortage is particularly acute in areas like

• Early childhood education

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects

• French-language instruction

• Rural and remote regions

To attract foreign talent, the federal government has taken steps to facilitate the immigration process for teachers.

Teaching Now Included in Express Entry Immigration System

One of the most significant developments in 2025 is the inclusion of education-related occupations in Canada’s Express Entry system. This federal immigration pathway allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency through a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Occupations now prioritized under category-based Express Entry draws include:

• Secondary school teachers

• Primary school educators

• Early childhood educators

• Educational assistants and paraprofessionals

This prioritization means that teachers who meet the criteria and receive a provincial nomination or high CRS score are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.